MEPs debate the Polish Presidency’s priorities with Prime Minister Donald Tusk

Donald Tusk outlined to MEPs on Wednesday his goals for Poland’s helming of the EU Council presidency and the country’s "Security, Europe!" strategy.

In a debate in the Strasbourg hemicycle, Prime Minister Tusk said security is a key priority for Europe because of a hot conflict on its borders, political change in the US and the challenge posed by weaponised lies and disinformation online. He stressed that spending up to 5% of GDP on security and defence is necessary, and warned Europe needs to arm itself to survive: “People cannot associate democracy with lack of force,” he said. "Do not ask America what they can do for our security, ask yourselves what we can do for our security."

Mr Tusk told MEPs that the Polish Presidency wants to minimise the threat of illegal migration, as Europe’s leaders have a responsibility to keep its borders and territory safe. But he insisted this could be done without nationalistic and xenophobic slogans. He also referenced EU enlargement and Ukraine’s accession as goals for the future.

Curbing energy prices and energy dependence on third countries, especially Russia, is another priority for Poland, and Mr Tusk said a review of legislation, including under the Green Deal, was necessary to make sure EU citizens have access to cheaper energy. “We need to protect our climate but we cannot afford not to be competitive,” he said. On food security, he advocated for alleviating the burden on farmers. Mr Tusk also noted the importance of health security, in particular the mental health epidemic and the need to protect Europe’s youth from harmful exposure to certain online content.

“Our future is in our hands, not of the Chinese or Americans, and we should not be afraid,” he concluded.

Responding on behalf of the European Commission, Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica highlighted the need to remain united behind Ukraine and to adopt the 16th sanctions package against Russia. She also announced a dedicated reconstruction plan for Gaza coupled with a “multi-year support programme for the Palestinian Authority, anchored in reforms to help pave the way for a two-state solution”.

Commissioner Šuica then presented Commission deliverables under the seven security dimensions of the Polish Presidency, which include a white paper on the future of European defence, new proposals on returns and irregular migrants, as well as an updated concept for the list of safe third countries, an upcoming Democracy Shield proposal and an action plan on affordable energy prices.

Reactions by MEPs

In their interventions, several MEPs commended the shift in leadership within the Council of the EU, as well as Prime Minister Tusk’s efforts to uphold the rule of law and democratic values both at the domestic and the European level. A majority of speakers supported the Polish Presidency’s call to prioritise security. They highlighted the need for increased military spending, the development of a strong defence industry, and enhanced cooperation with NATO and other non-EU countries.

Many MEPs argued that European security must also be pursued through energy independence. They pushed for continuing the EU’s efforts to reduce its reliance on Russian energy sources while ensuring citizens have access to affordable energy. Several stressed the importance of developing modern and secure digital services to counter interference and disinformation by foreign actors.

Other MEPs said they agreed with Mr Tusk’s call to reduce irregular migration with some emphasising the importance of avoiding the weaponisation of migration, and instead advocated a solidarity-based system.

A number of MEPs accused the Prime Minister of restricting the freedom of expression in Poland and criticised his government’s actions.